Reading time: We expect our investments to do more than earn a good return.
We believe that companies that manage environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues properly will be more financially sustainable and perform better over the long term.
Our investment managers take a range of factors into account when measuring the sustainability of an investment in a company or business, such as:
- environmental - greenhouse gas emissions, natural resource consumption, waste management and other opportunities to reduce environmental impact
- social - occupational health and safety, employee welfare and product safety controls for end consumers
- governance - conflicts of interest, transparency, risk management, regulatory compliance and director remuneration.
Responsible Investment Policy
Our Responsible Investment Policy sets out how TWUSUPER builds good ESG practices into our investment decisions.
Climate Change Position Statement
We recognise that climate change may represent strategic risks and opportunities for TWUSUPER and its members.
Climate Change Position Statement (PDF)
Stewardship Statement
TWUSUPER is a signatory to the Australian Asset Owner Stewardship Code and supports its six principles.
Collaboration
TWUSUPER participates in local and international initiatives to benefit from and promote research, activities and services regarding responsible investment.
Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI)
TWUSUPER has been a signatory to the PRI since 2007. The PRI is a set of six principles developed by an international group of investors and backed by the United Nations. The PRI establishes a universal framework to help investors integrate environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues into their investment decision-making, policies and practices.
The six principles are:
- We will incorporate ESG issues into investment analysis and decision-making processes.
- We will be active owners and incorporate ESG issues into our ownership policies and practices.
- We will seek appropriate disclosure on ESG issues by the entities in which we invest.
- We will promote acceptance and implementation of the Principles within the investment industry.
- We will work together to enhance our effectiveness in implementing the Principles.
- We will each report on our activities and progress towards implementing the Principles.
We complete our PRI reporting annually, allowing us to disclose our responsible investment activities and demonstrate alignment with the Principles.
TWUSUPER’s latest PRI Transparency Report is publicly available on the PRI website.
Australian Council of Superannuation Investors (ACSI)
ACSI is a not-for-profit organisation formed in 2001 to provide environmental, social and governance (ESG) research, advice and services to members. TWUSUPER is a member of ACSI and holds a seat on its Member Council which works to establish strategic direction and serve as its policy-making body.
We also use ACSI to engage with Australian-listed companies and to conduct policy advocacy with the aim of progressing ESG issues.
More information on ACSI can be found on their website.
Investor Group on Climate Change member
TWUSUPER is a member of the Investor Group on Climate Change (IGCC). IGCC aims to encourage government policies and investment best practices that ensure risks and opportunities associated with climate change are incorporated into investment decisions.
More information on IGCC can be found on their website.
Voting disclosure
One way that TWUSUPER can influence the behaviour of companies we invest in is through proxy voting activities.